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Orangespotted Sunfish

Orangespotted Sunfish

Orangespotted Sunfish are found statewide in South Dakota and are most abundant in low gradient, turbid, warm water streams, ponds and impoundments, though they can also be found in glacial lakes. These are one of the smaller sunfish species.

Scientific Name: Lepomis humilis

Physical Characteristics:
  • These small sunfish have laterally compressed bodies with moderate-sized mouths and rounded pectoral fins, featuring olive-brown coloration that grades to an orange-red belly with bright orange spots on their sides.
  • During spawning, their heads turn bright blue with lateral orange streaks.
  • They typically reach 3-6 inches in length.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Most abundant in low gradient, turbid, warm water streams, ponds and impoundments, though they can also be found in glacial lakes.
  • They have higher tolerance for turbidity and pollution compared to other sunfish species, allowing them to thrive in silty, muddy waters where other sunfish struggle.

Key Locations

  • Found statewide in South Dakota in low gradient, turbid, warm water streams, ponds and impoundments, glacial lakes, and stock dams ranging from 1-100 acres.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on areas with scattered cover like fallen branches in muddy or silty waters.
  • Fish around vegetation in sluggish backwaters and look for them in quiet pools of creeks and rivers.

Orangespotted Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Orangespotted Sunfish in South Dakota?

Small bead-head flies with added cut plastic tails for wiggle and profile. Try small patterns like Foam Ants or Micro Chubby Chernobyls with rubber legs. Poppers work but should be smaller than typically used for other sunfish.

When is the best time to fish for Orangespotted Sunfish in South Dakota?

Spring through early summer before spawning begins is best, with early morning and late evening being most productive during summer months.

How do you catch Orangespotted Sunfish in South Dakota?

For fly fishing, move small patterns just enough to make the legs wiggle rather than giving excessive action. Poppers work but should be smaller than typically used for other sunfish.

What do Orangespotted Sunfish eat?

Orangespotted Sunfish feed primarily on insects and crustaceans, including microcrustaceans, aquatic insect larvae (particularly chironomids), corixids, zooplankton, and other small invertebrates in the water column.

Where do Orangespotted Sunfish live in South Dakota?

Most abundant in low gradient, turbid, warm water streams, ponds and impoundments, though they can also be found in glacial lakes. They have higher tolerance for turbidity and pollution compared to other sunfish species, allowing them to thrive in silty, muddy waters where other sunfish struggle.

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